Then [Jesus] said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, . . . and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”1
When Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us,2 the Scripture that the Jews had was the OT. The Law of Moses refers to the first five books or Pentateuch (5 Scrolls)—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. While Psalms refers to the compilation of 5 books, a total of 150 chapters, authored by David (1-72, 107-150), Asaph (73-83), Sons of Korah (84-85), Ethan (89), Moses (90-100). The Prophets include the 5 major prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel; and the 12 minor prophets—from Hosea to Malachi. Classified in terms of volume or the book’s length, not importance.
Moses had to cover his face with a veil after meeting with God.3 To this day, when the Scriptures are read the same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.4 Is it any wonder that people find it difficult to understand the Bible? But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is Spirit.5
Thus, we should earnestly plead for revelation and understanding. God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.6 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, he also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.7
[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]8 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.9
[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.10
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.11 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Luke 24:44-49
2. John 1:14
3. Exodus 34:29-35
4. 2 Corinthians 3:13-14
5. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
6. Johan 4:24
7. Psalm 145:17-20
8. Psalm 145:13b
9. Isaiah 55:10-11
10. Colossians 1:15-20
11. Psalm 145:21
